'Prometheus and 'Madagascar' to Battle for No. 1 at the Box Office

German actor Michael Fassbender (L), Swedish actress Noomi Rapace (2nd L), South African actress Charlize Theron (2nd R) and U.S. actor Logan Marshall-Green pose for photographers at the world premiere of 'Prometheus' in London's Leicester Square May 31, 2012. (Photo : REUTERS/Paul Hackett)

Two tentpole titles “Madagascar 3” and “Prometheus” are being released this weekend which will lead to a heated race for the number one spot for the box office.

The first of the two releases is “Madagascar 3: Europe’s most wanted.” The film follows the series' characters Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman trying to get home to their beloved Big Apple. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus. The film is the sequel to the already popular and successful "Madagascar" series  and is likely to do  business on par with the first two films. “Madagascar” and “Madagascar 2: Escape for Africa” earned $193 million in 2005 and $180 million in 2008 and became one of Dreamwork Animation's most successful film series. With its memorable characters and its appeal to family audiences Dreamworks is predicting that it will make $65 million at the box office beating out “Prometheus”. However some are skeptical with this number and seeing by the lack of success from last year’s Animation sequels such as “Ku Fu Panda 2”, “Happy Feet 2” and “Cars 2” prognosticators are predicting a more modest opening of $40-45 million.

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Also opening this weekend is the highly anticipated “Prometheus” by Ridley Scott. The film stars Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace and Guy Pearce and is a Prequel to the classic film Aliens. The film tells the story of a team of explorers who discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. The movie has spawned interest in males of all ages but female interest has been lacking in pre-release tracking. Prometheus cost $130 million to make after tax incentives and is already off to a strong start overseas, where it has earned $54 million in its first week. However its R rating may turn many audiences away. In the past only 11 R rated films have opened above the $50 million mark. As a result many are estimating a sizeable if not remarkable $35-40 million opening.

Entering its second weekend “Snow White and the Huntsman” is slated to make an estimated $25 million while “Men in Black 3” in its third weekend is prognosticated to make an estimated $15 million.

On the arthouse front a number of films will be released including Robert Pattinson’s historical drama "Bel-Ami," which Magnolia Pictures opens in 15 cities. Also being released is IFC Films’ “Peace, Love and Misunderstanding” in 28 locations. Other films opening are “Parks and Recreation” in nine theaters and “Safety Not Guarenteed”.